Founded in 1993, the International Toy Research Association (ITRA) is the longest standing professional research association dedicated specifically to the trans-disciplinary scientific study of toys, games, and other types of playthings.  ITRA's 10th World Conference will be held in Augusburg, Germany from 5-7 August, 2026. The conference provides opportunities to exchange, reflect on, and discuss the zeitgeist in toys and games. We invite proposals from many different disciplines and professions that examine any type of toys, games, and playthings–physical, digital or hybrid.

Augsburg, Germany 5-6 August 2026

Argument

Throughout recorded history, toys and games have shaped and reflected who we are. They inspire our play and fuel our development, both as individuals and members of society, ready to face the unique demands of our time. As the world has changed, so too have our toys and games. We can observe them evolving, progressing, adapting, seemingly disappearing, and surprisingly reappearing over time. Yet they are more than mere reflections. Just as play creates and shapes culture, as Huizinga noted in Homo Ludens, toys and games create
and shape our realities as well as our understandings of them. As both carriers and changemakers of culture, they represent and influence the collective spirit of their times – the Zeitgeist.

As a community of toy researchers, archivists, curators, professionals, practitioners, and designers, we not only try to decipher and understand this constantly changing zeitgeist, but also to help shape it. We know just how important that task is. Through play with toys and games, players gain understanding for the worlds in which they live and can make it their own. They can learn and practice essential skills, and they can be introduced to and confronted with the great challenges of their time - all in the creative, inspiring, and open sphere of play.

Looking at the past, present, and future of playthings, the question is not so much what the zeitgeist in toys and games can be – but rather how and what they contribute to the multiple and potentially conflicting constellations of ideas, values and norms that come to characterize particular epochs. Given the importance of play, toys and games for us individually and collectively, we have a deep and far-reaching responsibility in trying to answer these questions.

The scientific committee welcomes abstracts of completed research, case studies, design studies, educational and development projects, including those in process or development, as well as ideas for future research in order to generate discussion and feedback. Submissions related to the main conference theme are invited, as well as from a broad range of topics on toys, games, and play, including but not limited to:

• Art and Artistry
• AI, Metaverse, Internet of Things and other [New] Technologies
• Availability, Accessibility, and Affordability
• Collecting, Collections, and Preservation
• Cultures, Communities, and Societies
• Gamification
• History and Historical Analysis
• Indigenous, Folk, and Ancient Toys & Games
• Innovations, Transitions, and Subversions
• Intersectionality, Inclusivity, and Intergenerationality
• Lifelong Playing and Learning
• Playgrounds, Parks, and Other Playspaces
• Play Therapy and Therapeutic Toys
• Promotions, Markets, and Trends
• Playthings in, of, and for Times of War and Peace
• Social Justice and Representation
• Socialization, Identity, and Development
• Sustainability, Safety, and Design
• Teaching, and Learning

Submission Guidelines

To submit a paper, poster, flashtalk, or to organize a symposium/panel please submit a complete abstract with all requested information as described in our online portal at: https://app.oxfordabstracts.com/stages/36478/submitter

Only complete submissions will be considered for acceptance to the conference. Questions or issues regarding the submission process should be directed to the conference chair, Volker Mehringer at volker.mehringer@phil.uni-augsburg.de

All submissions must be in English and include: (a) the title, (b) names, affiliations, and contact information for each presenter, (c) an abstract (400 word limited), and (d) up to 3 keywords. Keywords are used to organize presentations into appropriate sessions, so please choose words that clearly describe the focus of your work. 

Proposals for AMCRs, workshops or other special sessions should be sent directly to the program chair, Dr. Volker Mehringer, at volker.mehringer@phil.uni-augsburg.de for consideration

by December 31, 2025.

Please note that acceptance for special sessions is quite limited

10th World Conference Committees

Scientific Committee

• Vincent Berry, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, France
• Harshul Brahmbhatt, Children’s Research University, India
• Barbara Carè, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
• Paul Darvasi, Gold Bug Interactive & University of Toronto, Canada
• Jeffrey H. Goldstein, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands
• Karen Feder, Design School Kolding, Kolding, Denmark
• Gundolf Freyermuth, Cologne Game Lab & Internationale Filmschule Köln, Germany
• Cleo Gougoulis, University of Patras, Greece
• Salim Hashmi, King's College London
• Katriina Heljakka, University of Turku Finland
• Volker Mehringer, University of Augsburg, Germany
• Greta Pennell, University of Indianapolis, USA
• Miriam Morante Bonet, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain
• Luisa Magalhães, Catholic University, Portugal
• Christine Spiller, Deutsches Spielzeug Museum, Germany
• Sabrina Thomas, Duke University, USA
• Jeffrey Trawick-Smith, Eastern Connecticut State University, USA
• Lieselotte van Leeuwen, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
• Wiebke Waburg, University of Koblenz, Germany

Organizing Committee

• Volker Mehringer, University of Augsburg, Germany ITRA Conference Committee Chair &Board Member
• Greta Pennell, ITRA President, ex officio, University of Indianapolis, USA
• Gilles Brougère, ITRA Treasurer, University Sorbonne Paris Nord, France
• Ozlem Cankaya, MacEwan University, Canada
• Brian McCarty, War Toys, USA
• Markus Weimker, Hochschule Fresenius, University of Applied Science, Germany
• Artemis Yagou, Deutsches Museum, Germany